Remembering
Huntington Alum Kevin Abt
When word spread around town that Huntington High School Class of 2012 member Kevin Abt had passed away on January 28, it stunned and saddened everyone who knew the popular 19-year old. The teenager was a freshman at Five Towns College where he was pursuing music related studies.
"Kevin was a great kid," said Heather Swan, who heads the Huntington High School's video arts program. "Everyone knew him and during his senior year he worked with Kristina Casale to record the Blue & White rap. When he performed it during last year's pep rally the students were blown away. It was amazing seeing him in the spotlight. I used the song and clips from the pep rally as inspiration for our district PR video."
Born December 21, 1993 in Bogata, Columbia, Mr. Abt was well-known around town for his wit and wisdom, love of music and sense of humor. A bright, determined and hardworking young man, he was presented with the Principal's Award at last spring's senior academic awards night in the Huntington High School auditorium.
"Kevin has performed well and has been an integral part of our school even in the face of serious physical challenges," Dr. Leonardi said that night. "He is always ready with a smile. Kevin has shared his musical talent with the whole school on a number of occasions and brightened the lives of many."
Hundreds of friends and teachers turned out to pay their respects to Mr. Abt's family during visiting hours over a two-day period at M.A. Connell Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick's Church with interment following at St. Patrick's Cemetery.
Mr. Abt was a confident, content and talented teenager. He could write witty lyrics and rap them. His performance of Blue & White with classmate Kristina Casale at Huntington High School's 2011 pep rally brought down the house and will always be fondly remembered.
The Abt family is encouraging donations in Kevin's memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. "Knowing that Kevin touched so many people that knew him personally, or through the lyrics of his songs, if you're interested and able, Kevin would want you to contribute, in any way you can, to help find a cure for the disease that took him from us at such an early age," according to an online posting. To "Give Now" in Kevin Abt's memory, go to MDA's website at www.mda.org.